Silicon tetrafluoride on Io

Silicon tetrafluoride (SiF4) is observed in terrestrial volcanic gases and is predicted to be the major F-bearing species in low-temperature volcanic gases on Io [Schaefer, L., Fegley Jr., B., 2005b. Alkali and halogen chemistry in volcanic gases on Io. Icarus 173, 454–468]. SiF4 gas is also a potential indicator of silica-rich crust on Io. We used F/S ratios in terrestrial and extraterrestrial basalts, and gas/lava enrichment factors for F and S measured at terrestrial volcanoes to calculate equilibrium SiF4/SO2 ratios in volcanic gases on Io. We conclude that SiF4 can be produced at levels comparable to the observed NaCl/SO2 gas ratio. We also considered potential loss processes for SiF4 in volcanic plumes and in Ioʹs atmosphere including ion–molecule reactions, electron chemistry, photochemistry, reactions with the major atmospheric constituents, and condensation. Photochemical destruction (tchem ∼266 days) and/or condensation as Na2SiF6 (s) appear to be the major sinks for SiF4. We recommend searching for SiF4 with infrared spectroscopy using its 9.7 μm band as done on Earth.